Health minister terms budget as gaint leap for healthcare

The union health minister, Mr J P Nadda has termed the 'Budget 2015-2016' as balanced while appreciating the inclusion of preventive health in a bigger way besides establishment of five new AIIMS like institutes

Mr J P Nadda, minister of health and family welfare, government of India.

Mr J P Nadda in his budget reaction stated that the resolve to support the health sector in a big way has been shown by the outlay for health in the Budget of Rs 33,150 crore. Moreover, announcement of five AIIMS in Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Assam and Tamil Nadu and AIIMS-like institute in Bihar will provide a quantum jump in healthcare in these states and the neighbouring areas. The Health Ministry will implement these in the shortest possible time, the Health Minister stated.

"The announcements of various mechanisms in expanding the healthcare insurance to the needy is a laudable step towards making healthcare affordable and accessible to all, he added. "I welcome the move towards the Universal Social Security System backed by Accident Insurance and Bima Yojana."

The health minister stated that the focus within the Budget on Swachch Bharat and linking this with healthcare will address broad-based health issues in the country. This will lead to greater awareness among the people regarding the importance of hygiene. He added that good health will enable higher productivity in various sectors, and thus forms an integral component of the development agenda of the country. The target to construct 6 crore toilets will significantly impact health outcomes in the country.